Creamless Creamy Tomato Soup

Name: Creamless Creamy Tomato Soup
Ingredients: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil , plus more for drizzling; 1 medium onion , chopped medium (about 1 cup); 3 medium garlic cloves , minced or pressed through garlic press (about 1 tablespoon); pinch hot red pepper flakes (optional); 1 bay leaf; 2 (28-ounce) cans whole tomatoes packed in juice; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 3 large slices good-quality sandwich bread , crusts removed, torn into 1-inch pieces; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth; 2 tablespoons brandy (optional); Salt and ground black pepper; 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives